visit york parking

Prices and Info for Car Parking in York City Centre

Car Parking in York City Centre – there are several car parks in York, some council and some private.  I didn’t realise until I started writing this article, but I think I have (over the years) parked in all of them for one reason or another! 

I shall cover the best car parks for shopping , for the railway station , private car parks and overnight parking in York.

Prices are up-to-date as of 2023.

I would say that York is on the more expensive side to park compared to some other cities.  We do also have the Park and Ride around the city ring road.  I tend to use the Park and Ride myself as it’s so easy to park and the buses are frequent and drop you into the centre of York.

It really depends on whereabouts in York City Centre you are heading and where you are coming from as to which you choose.

Private Car Parking in York

We have two Q-Parks in York.  They are secure multi-storey car parks, that are well lit and feel safe (as a woman I have always been a bit nervous of multi storey car parks particularly at night).  The most central is The Shambles car park which is a four minute walk from The Shambles.   There is also a Q Park next to The Barbican Centre, which is ideal for their concerts and shows.

The Q Park is generally more expensive than the council car parks, but you can prebook (definitely prebook if you are seeing a concert – the one next to the Barbican isn’t huge and will get full quickly).  Another note on the Barbican Q-Park – we got there early to see a comedian and there was plenty of room to park (so go early if you can).

It was carnage getting out of this car park straight after the gig though, so I would say, either get back to your car really quickly, or hang around for a bit at the venue while the road rage dies down!

You can pay with a card at the Q Park machines, but what I particularly like is that you can use ‘tap and go’ where you use a contactless card as you drive away and then you don’t need to queue to pay at the ticket machine.

They also provide secure overnight parking if you are staying overnight in a hotel that does not have parking.  Alternatively, we have a list of York hotels with parking.

Q Park Parking Prices

The below prices are for the Q Park Shambles car park.

York Council Car Parking Charges

You can see the current car parking costs below – this may be slightly different depending when you read this.  I’ll try and keep it updated – but forgive me if it is out of date.  Prices were correct as of July 2023.  It gives a good idea of what you will pay anyway!  Some of the Council car parks are pay at the machines or with an app at the time of parking, some are the ANPR types (where they scan your car reg) and you pay as you leave.

The current car parking app for the York Council Car Parks is PayByPhone .  It’s worth downloading ahead of time.

If you use the app to pay,  it’s a bit of a faff the first time you use it as you have to enter your card details but it does get easier after that.  The main benefit is that if you underestimate how long you will be, you can extend your time from your phone – so a) you are not stressing and b) you don’t get a ticket!

The Minster Badge Holder charges are for York Residents who have applied for a ‘Minster Badge’.  If you don’t have a Minster Badge then the other fees apply.

If you arrive after 6pm then it’s a flat charge of £4, which lasts until 8am the following day.  This makes for very cheap overnight parking – but your car wouldn’t be as secure as if it was left in one of the private car parks overnight.

York Station Parking Prices

There are several car parks around the station.  The closest is just to the left of the station and is run by LNER.  It’s certainly the most convenient parking spot.  It goes back further than you think and has 604 spaces at the back. 

It’s fairly well lit but large so I try and park as close as possible to the station if I am returning after dark.  It now has an ANPR camera that takes your registration as you enter.   Then you can pay on the station concourse as you are leaving to head back to your car, or pay with contactless at the barrier.  

Alternatively, the York Commuter car park is at the back of the station.  We often use this if we are going away for a few days.  You can book your spot ahead of time.  

For shopping in York I used to park in Castle Car Park which is right in the centre and in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower.  This is perfect for the Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower itself, The Grand Opera House and Jorvik Viking Centre .  I have to say though that their spaces are quite tight so if you have a bigger car or are not confident about parking in tight spaces, this is not the car park for you.   To show you what I mean, here is a photo of my Land Rover in Castle Car Park.  Yes, my wheels are touching the white lines at both sides!

It’s fine on an early evening when the shoppers have left if you are going to the theatre or heading out for a meal in York.  If you do try this one and have a bigger car then the row of parking that is on the furthest side – next to the River Foss are the widest spaces.

Over the road is St George’s Field Car Park, there are not as many spaces here but it’s less well known and you might find a spot.  Once parked, you can walk along the river walkway into town.  I’d recommend a drink or something to eat at Dyl’s if you are parking here.  It’s also a good place to park for York City Cruises.   If you are visiting in winter, it’s worth knowing that this car park does close if there is a risk of flooding.

There is a large private car park belonging to Jaipur Spice on Haxby Road .   The car park has unrestricted height access, is very close to the hospital and St John’s University and just a 15 minute walk into town.  Prices compare very favourably to other York car parks.

£1.30 – 1 hr £2.20 – 2 hrs £3.30 – 3 hrs £5.50 – All Day Car Parking

Discounted rates available for NHS Staff at £3.50 per day (upon verified registration) or monthly @ £60 pcm.  Monthly Permits available for non-NHS staff at £70 per month. 

Cheap or Free Parking in York

There is no free parking in York city centre.  York isn’t huge though, so there is lots of parking in the suburbs that you can walk or get a bus from.  Rather than do this, I’d recommend the Park and Ride as it’s relatively cheap and very easy.  It’s £3.60 per person return and up to three children can travel for free with a paying adult. 

Up to five people travelling together after 9am on weekdays (or any time at weekends) can buy a First Group Day ticket for £10 .

The fare for concessionary pass holders boarding the bus at any Park & Ride site is £1.30 .

The photo below shows the overspill car park at the Grimston Bar site.  There is ALWAYS lots of parking in this bit.  There are public toilets too if you are desperate.

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Thank you for this article/blog post. Extremely helpful for someone taking a day trip out to see the sights of york!

Really helpful post! I’m traveling to York City Centre soon and was wondering about parking prices. Thanks for providing this info, it’s definitely saving me some money 🙂

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Parking in York – The Ultimate Guide

What this article covers

Parking in York

Looking for parking in York? Buckle up, as this guide will be covering every option so you can take the stress away of finding parking in the wonderful historic city of York…

York is one of the most visited cities in the UK, welcoming over 7 million visitors a year, with people coming from all over the world to see the delights the city has to offer.

If you’re visiting York, either for a short break or to visit family, we’ll show you where to park, how to find free parking and show you the cheapest parking options in and around York. 

Parking in York – everything you need to know

Ok, let’s get straight into it. If you’re visiting York by car, you can expect it to be a little daunting at first, with a host of one way systems and road restrictions that you will be met with. Traffic is often deterred from driving inside the city walls, mainly to reduce pollution but also to allow for more pedestrian access.

Although there are no low emissions zones in York yet and parking close to the city centre is still viable, it’s good to know what parking options are available so you can find what’s best for you and your circumstances.

Let’s get straight to the good stuff…

Free Parking in York

You may be surprised to know that there are in fact plenty of free parking spots in and around York, but they are not widely publicised by tourist boards. Free parking isn’t just about saving money and avoiding parking charges, it means you have more money to spend with local businesses, whether it’s eating out or visiting independent shops.

Our handy free parking in York guide will cover the best places to park for free as well as linking to the route so you can download it straight onto your smartphone map app, but here’s a run down some of the free parking spots available in York:

• Hospital Fields Road
• Knavesmire Road
• Hamilton Drive East
• Bishopthorpe Road (Racecourse end)
• Heslington Road
• South Bank Avenue
• Campleshon Road
• Albemarle Road

Parking in York City Centre

If you’re wanting to park in the heart of York City Centre, we’ll cover the options below, whether you want on-street parking or a council run car park just a stones throw away from the action.

Council run car parks in York

Luckily, York does have a good amount of council run car parks within 5 minutes walk of York City Centre. It’s recommended you choose a car park based on how you will get to the city, as driving from one side of York to the other can take up to 1 hour during busy times:

From A64 Westbound – Nunnery Lane Car Park

If you’re travelling from the A64 Westbound (from A1 South or M62), leave the A64 at Askham Bar and take Tadcaster Road into York. When you reach the city centre, you will reach Micklegate Bar where you can turn left and you’ll find Nunnery Lane Car Park.

From A64 Eastbound – Foss Bank Car Park

When travelling in from the A64 Eastbound (Hull Road or Scarborough directions), you can leave the A64 at Grimston Bar junction and travel down Hull Road until you reach Walmgate Bar. Here, you can turn right onto Foss Islands Road and keep travelling until you reach a crossroads. Take the second exit and you’ll see the entrance to Foss Bank Car Park.

From A1 North – Marygate Car Park

If you’re travelling from the North, namely the A1 from Thirsk or Harrogate areas, you can simply travel down the A19/Shipton Road and just before you get to Bootham Bar, you’ll see a signpost for Marygate Car Park on the right.

Here, you can compare all public car parks in York, with pricing, spaces and payment types.

On-Street Parking in York

York has a number of on-street parking spaces that are easily accessible to the city centre. There are two main areas that are suitable for day time parking, although parking over 2 hours is only permitted after 3pm.

The below parking charges are Mon-Sat 8am – 6pm and Sundays 1pm – 6pm.

Foss Islands Road

Evening on-street parking

If you’re parking up during the evening, you can use the on-street parking bays at the following locations between 6pm and 8am for just £3.

Motorhome and Minibus Parking in York

Motorhomes, minibuses and camper vans are permitted to park on Foss Islands Road as these bays are designed for larger vehicles (with up to 25 seats).

Where to find cheap parking in York

There’s a few options if you are looking for cheap parking in York:

Evening parking

On-street parking during the evening (after 6pm) costs just £3, providing you depart no later than 8am the next day.

Rent a driveway

A relatively new way to find cheap parking in York is to rent space on a driveway, particularly if you are looking to park long term. By using this method, you can find cheap parking in York from as little as £4 per day, a much more cost effective way than paying hourly rates.

Purchase a season ticket

If you commute into York City Centre regularly for work, you can save money by purchasing a season ticket. Season tickets mean you only have to purchase the ticket a couple of times a year as opposed to daily.

York Park & Ride sites

York has a number of park and ride sites all located within easy access of the outer ring road and the A64.

From A64 Westbound

The easiest park and ride to access from the A64 Westbound is Akham Bar. It’s located around 1 minute drive from the A64, so best suited to those who don’t want to park in the city centre.

From A64 Eastbound

You have two options if you’re travelling from the A64 Eastbound and they are Grimston Bar park & ride and Monks Cross park & ride.

From A1 North

Rawcliffe Bar park & ride is located just off the A1237 outer ring road with easy access to the A19 and A1 North. This area can get quite busy around rush hour so take that into consideration. Another option would be Poppleton Bar park & ride.

Where to find Blue Badge parking in York

Blue Badge parking is available at the follow council car park in and around York:

• Castle Car Park – 31 bays
• Coppergate Centre Car Park -12 bays (toilets)
• St George’s Field – 6 bays (toilets)
• Nunnery Lane Car Park – 11 bays (toilets)
• Foss Bank Car Park – 4 bays
• Monk Bar Car Park – 47 bays
• Bootham Row Car Park – 13 bays
• Marygate Car Park – 11 bays
• Union Terrace Car Park – 13 bays (toilets)
• Esplanade Car Park – 5 bays

Blue Badge holders can park in on-street bays free of charge, but those with single yellow lines are limited to 3 hours parking between 8am and 6pm (no restrictions overnight).

Where to find motorcycle parking in York

There is plenty of free motorcycle parking available in York, in both council run car parks and on-street.

The council car parks that offer motorcycle parking are:

• Bootham Row car park
• Esplanade car park
• Foss Bank car park
• Monk Bar car park
• Nunnery Lane car park
• Union Terrace car park

On-street motorcycle parking is available at the following locations:

• Blossom Street ( 1 hour  stay only)
• Cumberland Street
• Dennis Street
• Tanner’s Moat

You must park in the designated motorcycle bays when using these car parks.

Safest bike parking in York

Cycling is fully encouraged in York, so parking your bike safely is not a stressful situation, it’s just knowing where the safest bike parking is in York City Centre. 

There are over 1,000 designated bike parking spaces in and around York.

Secure cycle lockers are available at all 6 park & ride locations but they do have a charge involved.

York Park & ride sites:

• Designer Outlet
• Grimston Bar
• Monks Cross
• Poppleton Bar
• Rawcliffe Bar

York hotels with parking

If you’re visiting the historic city of York, perhaps for a short break or a weekend away, you might want to know what hotels have parking available. You’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of hotels that offer parking:

• Holiday Inn York – see pricing
• York Marriott Hotel – see pricing
• Holiday Inn Express – see pricing
• Best Western York Pavilion – see pricing

YORK PARK & RIDE – Everything you need to know before you go in 2023

Charlie Christiansen

Affiliate Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

With the price of petrol today, travelling free with a car isn’t possible, but parking is. No matter when you visit York or from where you travel, there is a well-located York Park and Ride to serve you. York has 6 Park and Ride locations, all located within 4 miles of York city centre, and have a frequent bus service into the centre. Let’s get started.

Best Park & Rides in York for You

Transportation systems about Yorks’s six parks & rides service allow you to drive to York in a car park free or take the bus. Park & Ride buses are frequently accessible, with no elevators. There will be no charge for children under 16 travelling without paid adults. Park & Ride return prices are just £3.00 a day. Regular Park & Ride users will receive discounted rates. All parks and rides, as well as the bus, feature open WiFi access, low floor, cheap fares,

Apart from the beautiful architecture and history, another great reason to visit York is that:

Here are the Six Park & Ride sites near York City:

• Monks Cross
• Grimston Bar
• Designer Outlet
• Poppleton Bar

FREE Parking in York City Center is Possible

And, We Know Where;

Download our Map of York’s Best Free Parking Spots.

All you have to do is decide which park & ride service is best for you, based on where you are coming from. This article will help you decide, and once you have decided, click the green button to see more details on how to get to and from your chosen York-serving Park & Ride scheme

1. Rawcliffe Bar Park & Ride on the Northwest Side of York

Rawcliffe Bar Park & Ride is ideal if you come from Middlesbrough, Durham, Hartland, Pool, Newcastle , or Sunderland. Sitting just on the south side of the A1237 York ring road, just from Shipton Road and the roundabout. Shipton Road is known as the A19, a dual carriageway that runs 88 miles north along the south side of the UK. The A19 Ends at the A1 just north of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Address: Shipton Rd, Rawcliffe, YO30 5XZ

For details on sites, routes, tickets, and timetables, visit the iTravel York website.

Download the First Bus app:

2. Monks Cross Park & Ride at the Northeast Side of York

This Park & Ride is ideal if You’re coming from Scarborough , Whitby , Malton, Weaverthorpe, Kirby Misperton, Scampston, and the south side of the North York Moors National Park area.

Monk Cross is located a 20-minute bus ride from York city center. Located just off Marello Way, connecting it to Malton Road (A1036) leads in from the A64 motorway.

The A64 road Starts at Scarborough, N. Yorkshire, and runs 39 miles southwest, where it becomes the bottom right part of the York Ring road.

Address: Huntington, YO32 9JU

For details on sites, routes, and timetables, visit the iTravel York website.

3. Grimston Bar Park & Ride on the East Side of York

Grimston Bar Park & Ride is Ideal if You’re coming from Hull, Flamborough, Pocklington, Fridaythorpe, Driffield, Withernsea, or Stamford Bridge.

The Grimston Bar Park & Ride serves the best visitors arriving from the south coast of the UK. The two main roads are the A1079 and the A166 road.

Address: Hull Rd, YO19 5LA

For details on sites, routes, and timetables, visit iTravel York

4. Designer Outlet Park & Ride to the South Side of York

Designer Outlet Park & Ride is ideal if You’re coming from Selby, Doncaster , Scunthorpe, Nottingham , Lincoln , Sheffield , Cambridge , Norwich , or even London

Address: St Nicholas Avenue, YO19 4TB

5. Askham Bar Park & Ride on the Southwest Side of York

Askham Bar Park & Ride is ideal if You are coming from Leeds , Wakefield , Huddersfield, Bradford, Manchester , Bolton, or even Chester in Cheshire

Address: A64, YO24 1LW

6. Poppleton Bar Park & Ride on the West Side of York

Poppleton Bar Park & Ride is ideal if You’re coming from Liverpool , Preston , Harrogate , Skipton, Blackburn,

Address: Roman Road, Upper Poppleton, YO26 6QF

For more details on Park & Ride site routes, fares, and timetables, click here

Nearest Park & Ride to the City Centre by bus

• Monks Cross – 2.5 miles.
• Grimston Bar – 3.2 miles
• Rawcliffe – 3.4 miles
• Askham Bar – 3.7 miles
• Poppleton Bar – 4.4 miles
• Designer Outlet – 4.4 miles

First York app and Park and Ride Bus Service

After you have parked your car at one of the many sites provided. The First York bus service allows you to

• Reasonable bus ride fares
• Wifi on the bus
• wheelchair accessible with low floors
• Up to 3 kids travelling with an accompanied paying adult do not need to pay
• Helpful First Bus app

Is the Park & Ride in York Free?

Yes, all six park & ride services are free to park in. However, some can only be used with the bus service into the city centre, where you must buy bus tickets to complete your journey.

How much is York Park and Ride Service?

All six services are free to use in conjunction with a First bus ticket that starts from £2.50 for a single and £3.30 for an adult day return. You can also use your valid ‘FirstBus’ ticket on these bus services.

How should you pay for your trip?

Find a parking space for your vehicle, jump on the next bus, and pay the driver for your journey with a credit card or cash. Plus, when accompanied by a paying adult, up to three children (under 16) will not need to pay.

How long can I stay in York Park & Ride?

You can park all day in all 6 Park and Ride car parks, but not overnight.

Where can I Park Up overnight in York?

The following car parks allow overnight parking for free:

• Bootham Row
• Nunnery Lane

Are the Park and Ride in York Secure Car Parks?

All six York Park and Rides are Secure car parks and easy bus rides to visit York. The buses have free wifi, and up to three children, accompanied by an adult, can ride free of charge. Where else do you get to ride buses for free? They have a low floor and are excellent value.

If you are new to our website, look around to see where you can car park for free, like Free Parking in York , Cheap Car Parks in York , or how to visit York and park without paying in Leeds , Doncaster , or Scarborough .

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Where to Park

Appell center parking options.

There are multiple parking garages and on-street parking options within walking distance to the Appell Center. There are 1,260 parking spaces and 350 on-street metered spaces in Downtown York alone. Three parking garages listed below are FREE all day on Saturday and Sunday.

Other parking options are available at many locations close to the theatre. For more information regarding parking, please visit York City Parking Bureau .

Market Street (41 E. Market Street)

Philadelphia Street (25 W. Philadelphia Street) This garage fills quickly on concert nights.

Market Street

41 E. Market Street

King Street

15 W. King Street

Philadelphia Street

25 W. Philadelphia Street (This garage fills quickly during concerts.)

Behind the scenes

• Conservation
• Collections, Archive and Library
• Interactive Map
• Centre of Excellence

Discover a world of collections

Maintaining a fragile masterpiece

• Ways to worship
• Life events
• Choir and music
• Archbishop and Diocese
• Christian Faith

Daily worship lies at the heart of York Minster

Seeking to live a faith which can change the world

• Plan your visit
• School visits

Accessibility

Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit

Let our learning team spark their imaginations

• Friends of York Minster
• Partners and supporters

Help us ensure the survival of this iconic building

• Living Generously
• Safeguarding
• Media centre

Type your search below

Today we are open from

First admission

Last admission

Ticket prices range from £13 to £28.

See our What's On section for upcoming services and events

Visiting York Minster.

Scroll to explore

Opening times

See our standard opening times or search the calendar below.

Mon to Sat: 9.30am - 4pm Sun: 12.45pm – 2.15pm

Undercroft Museum

Mon to Sat: 10:30am - 4.45pm Sun: 1:15pm - 2:45pm

Mon to Sat: 10am - 5pm Sun: 12.30pm - 4pm

Mon to Sat: 7.30am - 6pm Sun: 8am - 5pm

Check the dates of your visit

Wednesday 24th april.

Admission Prices

Sightseeing visits can be booked in advance online

Minster only

Adult/Senior - £18

Students (not studying in York) - £16

Child (17 and under)* - free with a paying adult

York resident/York student - free with proof of address

*Up to four children with one paying adult.

Minster and Central Tower

Adult/Senior - £24

Students (not studying in York) - £22

Child (8-17) - £6

To climb the tower you must be aged 8+.

Ticket information

It costs £30,000 a day to run York Minster and your admission fee directly supports the future of the cathedral. We never charge for people to enter the cathedral to pray, light a candle or attend a service.

Valid for 12 months

Keep your ticket and return throughout the year

Children go free

Up to four children go free with one paying adult

York residents and York students free

With proof of address including a YorkCard, driving licence or utility bill. Students must have local College/Uni ID card with valid date.

Free guided tour

Join our expert guides and explore the Minster’s history

Free Undercroft Museum entry

Discover 2,000 years of history beneath the cathedral

Groups of 10 or more

See our exclusive options and rates for groups

Tours and trips

Join a tower trip or let our expert guides show you the Minster’s rich history.

Free guided tours.

General admission tickets include a free guided tour of the cathedral filled with stories and facts from our 800-year history. Tours run Monday to Saturday between 10am and 3pm.

Tours exploring the Minster’s extensive collection of medieval stained glass also run Monday to Friday at 11am.

Climb the Central Tower

York Minster’s Central Tower is the highest point in York and offers unbeatable, panoramic views of the city.

See medieval stonework and gothic grotesques as you climb the 275 steps to the top. Trips run regularly throughout the day. Health and safety restrictions apply, which can be viewed  here .

Tower Trips can be booked on the day of your visit inside the Minster.

Out of Hours tours

Explore York Minster before it opens to the public and savour its special, serene atmosphere brought to life by one of our expert tour guides.

Your ticket includes a delicious breakfast at York Minster Refectory with stunning views of the cathedral and beautiful décor inspired by the building’s history.

Hidden Minster tours

Discover York Minster’s hidden spaces normally closed to public access and hear untold stories from the cathedral’s past.

Take a journey with one of our expert tour guides to learn more about how parts of the Minster were built and the people who made it happen.

Purchase a souvenir guide book

Our 64-page souvenir guide book is packed with information and stunning full-colour photos of the cathedral. You can order a copy while purchasing your tickets using the link below to collect from our welcome team when you arrive. Alternatively, you can buy copies from our admission desks or in the Minster Shops during your visit or online.

Discover nearly 2,000 years of history in the Undercroft Museum

From the remains of a Roman barracks, to 1,000-year-old artefacts still used in the cathedral today, visitors can explore two millennia of York’s history in state-of-the-art chambers beneath the cathedral.

Explore our current exhibitions

Explore our conservation projects, Yorkshire treasures, carvings and more in our exhibitions included in general admission.

York Minster Refectory

The grade 2 listed former York Minster School built in the 1830s with unique views of York Minster, now a brasserie style restaurant serving up all day refreshments and modern British dishes using local produce and suppliers from in and around Yorkshire.

Getting here

York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH

York Minster is a ten minute walk from York Railway Station , which is in Station Road, York, YO24 1AB.

Please note that random bag searches may be carried out when you enter the cathedral. Wheeled bags, and bags larger than hand luggage are not permitted in York Minster. There are a number of left luggage facilities in the city including Yorbag.

Several bus services make stops in the city centre, with the nearest stop in St Leonard’s Place. To plan your journey, visit the iTravelYork website .

For details of coach parking in the city centre, see the City of York Council .

Unfortunately there is no parking available at the cathedral.

You can park for free at one of the six Park and Ride sites around the city with the nearest stop a few minutes’ walk away in Museum Street. Full details for the York Park and Ride service is available here.

The nearest pay and display car parks are a short walk away at Monk Bar (YO31 7QR), Union Terrace (YO31 7ES) and Bootham Row (YO30 7BP) and further details about opening times and charges are available here .

The region is served by a number of airports and the closest to York Minster are Leeds Bradford , Manchester  and Newcastle.

York is only a one hour drive from the P&O Sea Ferries terminal at Kingston-upon-Hull, with daily sailings to Holland and Belgium. Further details are available here .

For more details on your visit to York, including information on the best places to stay, visit or eat & drink, visit our partners and official destination group Visit York .

At York Minster we want to make sure we deliver a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all our visitors. The majority of the building is accessible by wheelchair and mobility scooter users alike. Please see below for full information about resources and facilities in various areas for visitors with disabilities or additional access needs, or you can download our full statement here .

For further information about your visit, please contact the Minster team on t: 01904 557200, e: [email protected]

To book a free carers ticket, please contact our bookings team on: 01904 557200

Getting to the Minster

York is well served by the road network and public transport. The main railway station, which has barrier free access, is about 1 kilometre from the Minster. There are safe crossing places along the way. Bus services run to Museum Street close to the Minster and there are on-street accessible parking bays close to the Minster.

Blue Badge parking locations in the city can be found here.

Entrance to the Minster

There is a choice of ramped or stepped access with handrails from Precentor’s Court, which leads through an outer doorway and glass porch to the admission desk. The Minster is open Monday-Saturday from 9.30am until 3.30pm (last admission) and from 12:45pm until 2.15pm (last admission) on Sundays. There is a charge to enter the Minster, although accompanying carers are not charged for entry. Guided tours are free to visitors afterwards (Monday to Saturday).

Minster Interior

York Minster is a very large gothic building with high ceilings, magnificent stained glass windows and mostly stone floors. Although it is a place of reverence it can also be quite busy and noisy when visitors are present or, for example, when the organ is playing. Light levels vary in different parts of the Minster, particularly where sunlight impacts on the stained glass windows or in the Undercroft, which is the lowest part of the Minster and a darker area. The main features of the Minster, except the Tower, have level, ramped or lift access to them.

The Tower does not have wheelchair access and visitors need to climb the 275 stone steps of a spiral staircase, which does have a handrail on the left going up, to reach the top. There is an additional charge to visit the Tower. Please see the full health and safety details here .

Main Minster Floor

On entering at the West End the Minster is set out in the form of a cross, with the Nave in front and the North Transept to the left and South Transept to the right, with the East End beyond. The raised Quire occupies a central space with walkways on either side leading to the East End. The West End, Nave and North Transept and South Transept and the East End of the Minster are on one level, with paved stone floors throughout.

Organ and Quire

There is stepped and ramped access to the Quire from the Nave next to the Kings Screen. The Quire area where the organ is positioned is mainly single level. About halfway down the Quire there are three sets of shallow steps which lead up to the high altar. For this reason, only the first section of the Quire is accessible for wheelchair users.

Chapter House

There is convenient sloped access from the North Transept leading to the Chapter House.

Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt

There is stepped and lift access from the South Transept to the Undercroft, which tells the story of the Minster and has historic books and artefacts on display.  It has level or ramped access throughout.

The Treasury and Crypt contain an exhibition on Pilgrimage and the tomb of St William.  Currently they are accessed via a set of seven steps from the Undercroft; we are taking measures to improve this and platform lift access to these two areas is due to be in place by the end of summer 2019.

Toilet Facilities

There are male and female toilet facilities, baby changing and an accessible toilet facility located after the North Transept towards the East End of the Minster. There are ambulant toilet cubicles available in the main male and female toilet areas.

Minster Shop

There is flat-level access to the Minster shop from the South side of the Nave towards the South Transept, and stepped or ramp access from the shop through the South Transept and out the South Door into the Minster Piazza. Any visitors who require ramp access to the shop, please ask at the North West door of the Minster and a member of staff will show you the way through. There is no ramp access directly into the shop from street level.

Tactile Model of York Minster

A range of services are provided at the Minster for people who are blind or partially sighted.

A tactile model of York Minster is offered to enable visitors to get an idea and orientation of the Minster. PENfriend™ audio description and Braille text is also provided to help interpret the design.

Tactile Plan and Adaptive Information about the Minster

A tactile site plan, with PENfriend™ audio description and Braille information is provided to assist blind and visually impaired visitors to learn about and navigate the Minster. The tactile plan and PENfriend may be borrowed in advance of visiting to enable blind and partially sighted visitors to learn something of the Minster before visiting. If you would like to request the plan to be sent to you, please email [email protected] , or call 01904 557200.

Self-Guided Route

The tactile plan enables blind and visually impaired visitors to find, and learn about, a series of interesting and informative tactile features around the Minster, on a self-guided journey.

Assistive items

There are sensory materials such as embroidery samples and stained glass examples available to help people with sensory impairments and learning disabilities learn about the Minster. These are kept securely at the main entrance and a member of staff will be able to help on request.

Hearing aid users

Audio induction loops to assist hearing aid users are provided in parts of the interior of the Minster. Minster staff and volunteers have also been trained in welcoming and communicating with deaf and hearing impaired visitors.

Assisted guided tours

We understand that some of our visitors might require extra help, or wish to take part in a guided tour and be able to plan this in advance. Our bookings team can arrange for specially trained guides to be available to meet you when you visit, but require 6 weeks’ notice to try and secure a guide (subject to availability). There is no additional charge for this service. If you would like to take advantage of this service please phone our bookings team on 01904 557275 or email [email protected] with details of the assistance required.

Discover York Minster

Creating the Undercroft

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The City of York manages 3 parking garages and 11 parking lots that are available for daily and monthly parking.

Pay or Dispute your parking ticket quickly online. Pay by phone @ 717-983-3094. Service fee required for online & phone payments.

There are 1000+ metered parking spaces located throughout the City of York. All meters have a 2-hour time limit from 8am-5pm.

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City-wide street sweeping will resume on March 15, 2024 at 2am (weather permitting). The first route swept will be posted for the 3rd Friday, 2:00am to 6:00am.  Please view the City-Wide street sweeping schedule and for the streets that are on the Year-Round schedule.

The last day of City-wide Street Cleaning will be October 26, 2024 due to Leaf pickup.

Residents are asked not to park during the times indicated on the street signs. The fine for violating “No Parking Specified Hours” is $40.00.

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Applications for Residential Parking for People with Disabilities and Disabled Veterans can be submitted to the York City Parking Bureau. Initial review will be completed upon receipt of the completed application and required documents. Final review of submitted applications will be conducted by the Traffic Safety Committee during their meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Effective March 2023, approved residential handicap parking spaces will be assigned to the applicant . Any vehicles parked in an assigned residential handicap space that do not match the vehicle assignment are subject to being ticketed. Handicap Parking violations incur a fee of $150.00.

Please submit your completed application, copy of handicap placard, and physician’s statement to the York City Parking Bureau, (Attention) Residential Parking for People with Disabilities, 101 S. George St, York, PA 17401. Additionally, applicants must include a photocopy of the following:

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Per Article 338 of the codified ordinance, a tax has been imposed for each parking transaction at a non-residential parking facility.  The current tax is 15%. The required forms for reporting and payment are below.

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York Park & Ride

Discover all the exciting reasons to ‘make the switch’ to york’s park & ride.

Heading into York to explore the historic city with family or friends? Discover all the incredible things you can do in York by bus - there’s busloads to love, see and do!

With a choice of six Park & Ride sites , park for free in a secure car park and catch one of our frequent bus services into York city centre to begin exploring. Our fleet of 100% electric, zero-emissions buses are equipped with USB charging ports, free Wi-Fi, and luxury leather seats for a comfortable trip into the city.

To make your bus journey even easier, you can download the award-winning First Bus App to plan your journey, track your bus live and buy your great value Park & Ride mTicket - it costs just £3.60 for an Adult Day Return , and up to three children (under 16) can travel for free with one fare-paying adult. You can download the First Bus App here.

So, next time you’re heading into York for an adventure with family or friends, avoid the city centre traffic and the expense of parking your car and hop on the bus from one of our Park & Ride sites instead. We look forward to welcoming you on board the York Park & Ride!

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While we understand the need for people to drive to, and park at the University, we encourage staff, students and visitors to consider other means of transport where possible; to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions and make our campus and your journey more sustainable.

If you wish to park on campus, you will need to have a valid parking permit (purchased from the online parking permit system) or you will need to buy a pay and display ticket.

Top tip: Follow us on Twitter @UoYParkingBays to get frequent updates on car parking availability at the University of York.

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